March 31, 2019 - Fourth Sunday in Lent - Responsive

Pastor Ray's sermon, called Responsive, explored today's First Reading, Acts 8:26-40. He said he was particularly fond of this strange, little conversion story of Philip and the eunuch.

The sermon brought out how Philip responded to the angel of the Lord's call to go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. The eunuch, who was reading Isaiah, was likewise responsive ready to let Philip be his guide in understanding scripture without hesitation.

Philip was also responsive to the Ethiopian's willingness to be guided by sharing scriptural interpretations with the eunuch and boldly baptizing. Philip was immediately snatched by the Spirit of the Lord as well, after the baptism, to go to Azotus. The responsiveness demonstrated over and over in this story played a crucial role in the transformation that happened to this marginalized foreigner. That transformation is shown as a collaborative effort in this story. What links the Gospel and the First Reading today is powerful. Both stories nod to Jesus and Philip functioning as interpreters or a spirit-filled, scriptural teachers giving others the words of eternal life.

Humankind is naturally suspicious of the "other" for "safety" reasons, however the "other" is defined and described. Immigrants and foreigners can be feared withut much provocation. Those can be concerns for ourselves or others. The question becomes how or should we balance that fear and suspicion against the good news of the Gospel?

"Instant Karma" is an important element in what is presented here as well. Note that Philip is not a "lead" disciple but more of a lay leader. When the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" and commanded the chariot to stop however, Philip baptized him immediately after the teaching. He did not ask for authorization of this moment. I am not arguing against the need to reach a consensus in the church ,at whatever is the appropriate level but I also know deep down the eunuch would not have gone on his way rejoicing if Philip had said "Well I need to clear this with a few people. Let me get back to you."

I also thought it was interesting that today is the Transgender Day of Visibility. Held annually on March 31, the International Transgender Day of Visibility is a time to celebrate transgender and non-binary people around the globe and acknowledge the courage it takes to live openly and authentically.